Tiger to make return at PNC Championship next week

Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will return to action later this month when he partners his son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship.

Woods’ appearance in the 36-hole scramble event, where major winners compete alongside a family member, will mark his first start since he sustained extensive injuries to his leg and ankle during a high-profile car accident in February.

The former world No 1 admitted that amputation of the leg ‘was on the table’ during his three weeks in hospital after the crash, with Woods spending the majority of 2021 rehabilitating at home before gradually beginning to work on his game in recent months.

“Although it’s been a long and challenging year, I am very excited to close it out by competing in the @PNCchampionship with my son Charlie,” Woods said.

“I’m playing as a Dad and couldn’t be more excited and proud.”

Woods fuelled speculation of a comeback last month when he released a video on social media of him hitting a wedge shot, with the 45-year-old then seen using driver and fairway woods on the range during his role as tournament host at last week’s Hero World Challenge.

The 15-time major champion revealed during the event he had accepted he will “never” play full-time golf again and remains “a long way away” from being able to return to the PGA Tour, although is relishing the opportunity to tee it up the 20-team tournament from December 18-19.

Woods, whose last PGA Tour appearance came at The Masters in November 2019, has not featured in any event since he and his son, Charlie, finished seventh in their debut together during last year’s PNC Championship. Justin Thomas won the 2020 edition alongside his father, Mike, with Team Thomas returning to defend their title in Orlando.

Gary Player, Tom Watson, Sir Nick Faldo and Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington are among the other names set to feature, while 2002 PGA Champion and Sky Sports pundit Rich Beem will make his debut at the event alongside his son Michael.

Watch Tiger Woods’ return to action this month live on Sky Sports. Live coverage from the PNC Championship begins on Saturday December 18 from 4pm on Sky Sports Golf.